Hey, guys. This is another chapter to this fic where Roger and Jessica go on their first date. Thanks to those who follow and favorited this story. That way, you guys will be in the know of this fic getting updated. To be honest, this story is somewhat of a prequel that could fit well in a straight to home media and streaming on Disney Plus. Anyway Roger Rabbit belongs to Disney not me. Let's get It.
=====Chapter 3: Bella Notte=======
"That was some crazy night at the bar. Heck, Donald was somethin' else. I thought our goose was cooked.", Roger told Eddie of the bar brawl situation sipping his carrot juice. Eddie smirked adding in his two cents of the matter.
"I'm not surprised in the least. Dona'd's the type that gets into trouble with his temper. And the fact that Mickey and Bugs were told they'll Own their companies that has superheroes and space operas by 2012? That's crazy. Reminds me of that Mayan superstition of the world ending in 2012.", the private eye said nonchalantly as Roger shuddered at the latter possibility. Eddie knowing how uncomfortable Roger can get, switched back to the subject at hand.
"Okay. So you and Jessica went on a first date. Care to tell me all about It?", Eddie told Roger as the rabbit hopped onto the table to continue his table.
"Glad you asked, pal. It all happened that evening."
====Back to flashback======
Roger straightened his bowtie wearing his trademark overalls and had his ginger tuft of hair between his long ears kept neatly. He stepped out the door waiting for his friend Benny to pick him up.
"Jeepers, this is the day I get to know Jessica. I can't choke on this opportunity. I can't mess up.", Roger said to himself feeling nervous as butterflies were in his stomach. The rabbit waited at the curb for a while reading the address Jessica gave to him at the Ink and Paint Club. Soon, a beep sounded off as Roger looked down the street revealing to be Benny the cab.
"Rog! Glad ya made it! I'm comin'!", the taxicab yelled Out as he pulled in front of the rabbit's home. Roger happily greeted his friend as the cab pulled in front of the house.
"Benny, good to see ya! How ya been?"
"Nothin' much. Just the usual grind of takin' folks to wherever. Now I'm curious that you're dating the lovely mademoiselle. Say where's her place? You do know it, do you? Can't keep my meter runnin' or it'll cost ya.", Benny teased as Roger grinned.
"P-P-P-Please. I got her address right in my hands. I got dibs behind the wheel.", Roger said hopping into the driver's seat much to Benny's dismay.
"Don't even think about it, Rog.", the taxicab warned.
"P-P-P-Please? I want to be behind the wheel.", Roger begged as Benny rolled his eyes at The rabbit.
"You know what happened the last time I'd let you behind the wheel. I had to get serviced for a few weeks and trust me, it wasn't fun at all. You're pitiful behind the wheel.", Benny explained as Roger sighed sitting in the backseat instead. Soon as Roger told the cab of Jessica's home, they took Off.
Benny strikes up a conversation with Roger hoping to get details of his date with Jessica. The rabbit was feeling a Little nervous as the cab picked up on it.
"Hey, Rog. What's up? You seem a Little quiet. It's not about you wanting to get behind the wheel, is It?", Benny asked but Roger shook his head.
"No. It's just that it's my first date with Jessica Crupnik. I don't want to mess things up and Leave a bad taste in her mouth. I'm getting butterflies just thinkin' about It.", Roger confessed as his ears covered his eyes chattering his teeth. Benny rolled his eyes at his friend's dramatic expression.
"Look, Rog. Like Herman and I told you days ago, just be real with yourself. I'll let ya in on a Little secret when it comes to dames. They can sense fear and not to mention know whether you're being authentic.", Benny explained.
"Whatcha mean, Benny?"
"What I'm saying Is that you do not change your true self for any dame out there. If they don't like it and they start playing you, then they don't deserve your presence. But this Jessica Crupnik is interested in you from what I've heard from Betty Boop and Clarice when I had to take them and Jessica home last night. All I'm telling you is to not Overthink it. Let everything flow naturally and the rest will follow In your favor.", Benny advised Roger with the rabbit back to his chipper self.
"You know, Benny? You're right! All I need to do is to be my funny, adorable self.", Roger chirped. The boys soon Parked in front of Jessica's house with the cab calling to Roger.
"Well, Rog. This is the place. I'll be waitin' out here for you two lovebirds. But don't keep my meter running, bud. I'll change my mind of you not having to Pay me.", Benny teased as Roger skipped along the pathway to the house.
"No worries, Benny. I'll be fine! It won't take long!", the rabbit told his taxi buddy as he went to the door.
Jessica was in her mirror wearing her trademark red Outfit with her high heels looking great. Her makeup was flawless but not too much on her face. She placed on some cherry lipstick checking herself out. Her face blushed like a tomato as her first date with Roger was going to be happening today.
In the past, many guys ogled her for her external beauty and never bothered to get to know her as a person. The fact that Roger wasn't like any Other guy whether toon or human is quite a rarity for Jessica. She obviously has nothing against Roger but she wanted to make a good impression on him on their first outing.
"My first date with Roger Rabbit. I have to admit that he's kind of cute and handsome. Wait a minute. I got to pull myself together. This is my chance to get to know Roger as a person.", Jessica said to herself as she checked in the mirror one more time. She then grabbed her purse and slipped on her purple opera gloves for good measure. She then heard a knock on the door as she yelled Out.
"In a minute!", she said as she made sure she had everything ready. Once she did, the ginger beauty went to the front door and opened it. Once she did, her expression turned to that of a genuine smile seeing Roger and Benny outside her house.
"Jessica, your chariot awaits.", Roger said humorously with a bow as Jessica giggled. The ginger held his hand before speaking to the rabbit.
"You're quite the gentleman, Roger. You're making me blush.", she said truthfully as her face did just that. Roger then kissed her hand in a polite gesture making her giggle. Benny being impatient honked startling the Lovebirds.
"What was that?!", Jessica asked as Benny yelled out.
"It's Bing Crosby! Now are you two finished yet? My meter's running up the wazoo here!", the taxicab yelled out as Roger chuckled.
"Don't mind my friend. He can get quite eccentric. Anyway, shall we?", the rabbit asked the ginger. The pair held hands down the pathway as Benny opened the doors. Roger stood aside to let Jessica pass.
"After you."
"Why thank you, Roger. That's quite generous of you.", the ginger told Roger as the couple sat in the backseat. Benny then asked them something.
"So where to? Better pick something. Otherwise, Romeo beside you will have to pay a hefty fare.", Benny asked much to Roger's embarrassment.
"To a nice café. Nothing too expensive.", Jessica told Benny as the taxicab agreed.
"Very well, mademoiselle. You lovebirds hang On tight! And Jessica, if I were you, please don't put Roger behind the wheel. Ever.", Benny told Jessica as the trio took Off.
"And why so?"
"Let's just say major fender benders and Roger are a disaster waiting to happen.", Benny told the ginger as Roger shook his head.
"Don't listen to him, Jessica. I'm not the only One not great behind the wheel. That toad fellow. He drives like a bat out of hell.", Roger defended himself. Benny rolled his eyes at the mention of the toad character.
"Great. You and Mr. Toad are absolute menaces on the road. I almost had a spark plug attack!", Benny shuddered at the memory of Roger and Mr. Toad driving erratically through Toontown destroying some of the property in the process. Jessica giggled with Roger chuckling at the memory and got chewed out by Baby Herman for doing such a thing.
"That's quite a story.", Jessica quipped as Roger nodded.
"Yeah. In fact, Herman chewed Mr. Toad and I out for what happened. I was kind of banned for a good while from driving.", Roger explained. The trio then pulled into town spotting the café. The cab pulled towards the entrance as he opened the doors.
"You two Kids behave yourselves. And Jessica, try to keep my long-eared pal here Out of trouble. He's bound to get into something he's not suppose to.", Benny advised as Roger raised an eyebrow. Jessica nodded to Benny before the cab took off. The ginger smiled at the rabbit for a moment.
"Shall we? I usually frequent this place when I'm not tied up on gigs.", Jessica asked Roger as The rabbit nodded.
"Sure. I'm starvin'. I'm so hungry, I can eat a whole zebra!", he said in exaggeration making Jessica chuckle.
"Um, we're fresh Out of zebra.", she said amused.
"Hippo?"
Nope.", she shook her head.
"Antelope?", Roger said making Jessica laugh at the humor. Some of the guys passing by ogled at Jessica and sneered rudely at Roger feeling jealous.
"Look at that loser. He's out of her league.", the man coming Out of a bar told himself still ogling at Jessica. However, toon pigeons hit their target on the man so to speak as he screamed like girl tripping on to the pavement.
"What's that guy's problem?", Roger wondered as Jessica looked at the scene before her. She then grabbed Roger's hand and heads inside the café.
The couple went inside the café as a receptionist ushered them to their table near some artwork. The male patrons wolfwhistled only to get bopped upside the head by their significant others. Jessica scoffed at the guys ogling her that was below her face level. Roger shook his head at the commotion until a waitress came over to greet them.
"Hi there. The name's Darla and I will be your waitress for today. What beverage to start you two off with?", the waitress said to the couple as they both agreed on iced tea. Soon, the waitress nodded and went on her way. Jessica then started off the conversation while waiting.
"It sure is a great day off for the both of us."
"Yeah. A good R and R does do us some good. Heck, I like to do comedic gold but I love to rest every now and then.", Roger told Jessica as the ginger nodded in agreement.
"I see what you mean. Most of my days in every week is focused on gigs at the Ink. Don't get me wrong but they pay good but I wish to relax as well.", Jessica said as Roger agreed.
"Sometimes when things get tough and hectic, laughter's the best weapon to have. Heck, if you don't have any sense of humor, you're better off dead.", the rabbit said honestly as Jessica got amused.
"That's quite a philosophy to Live by."
"I know. It's what helped me out during my career as a toon star. Do you know who my favorite character is that I look up to?", Roger asked as Jessica raised an eyebrow in curiosity.
"Not sure. Is It Mickey Mouse?", Jessica guessed as Roger shook his head.
"Nope. But you're kind of close. It's Goofy. That guy knows how to put on some comedic gold. He's the reason I strive to be a toon star. Everything he does is off the walls.", Roger explained passionately as Jessica was impressed.
"That's quite the motivation. I usually watch most of Goofy's shorts in the theaters along with Tom and Jerry's. But I gotta say that yours is so funny especially with the part of the kitchen scene.", Jessica told the rabbit as he grinned.
"You mean the part where my tail got caught on fire on the stove and I ran in circles? That was one of my best shorts I've done in my gigs. Glad to hear you appreciate my work.", the rabbit told Jessica as she genuinely nodded. The pair chatted away until Darla came with their drinks.
"Here is your ice tea, you two. Have any of you thought up of anything to order?", she said with a smile. Jessica spoke up first as she knew what she wanted.
"I'll have some of the spaghetti, Please.", Jessica ordered as the waitress nodded.
"Very well. How about you, sir?", she asked Roger as the rabbit rubbed his head In thought with his ear until he decided.
"I'll have what she's having.", Roger told the waitress as she cooked up an idea for the couple. She wrote the order down and vanished. The lovebirds continued on with their chat while their food was waiting. Moments later, the spaghetti arrived but it was unexpected kind of order. It was a big plate for the couple to share. The kind that Lady and the Tramp had in the eponymous film. Darla giggled as she proudly boasted to Roger and Jessica.
"Allow me to present the best spaghetti in Toontown.", she said to the couple before leaving. Jessica and Roger were speechless for a moment before the rabbit spoke up.
"Jeepers! How the Heck are we gonna finish all of this?", Roger said to Jessica as The ginger shrugged.
"Not sure but we'll give this a try.", the ginger told the rabbit as they both had a couple of spoonfuls each. They loved the flavor of the spaghetti as Roger's eyes beamed with gusto.
"Wowsers, this spaghetti tastes so good."
"Yep. I usually order this smaller than this One. Hmm. I wonder what the waitress is up to?", Jessica puzzled wondered as she and Roger took more bites of the dish. Suddenly, one of their forks got caught with spaghetti. This was proven when the noodles were in mid air having Roger with one end and Jessica with the other. Thankfully, the big Plate of spaghetti was almost done as this was going on. Darla who was behind a table watched on in glee as the couple drew closer to one another. The length of the noodles grew shorter and Roger and Jessica drew closer. Suddenly, their lips touched as they were shocked with Roger's feet thumping on his seat and Jessica blushing. They soon parted as they were sheepishly smiling or in Jessica's case, blushed madly like a tomato. However, Darla and some of the customers were enjoying the scenery unaware to the rabbit and the ginger beauty.
They shook off their stupor as Jessica and Roger felt a Little awkward of what transpired.
"That was unexpected.", Jessica said still blushing.
"Yeah. That felt like I wanted to walk on air.", Roger said as Jessica laughed. Roger saw the blush on Jessica's face.
"Jess, you're blushing like a chili pepper.", the rabbit remarked as Jessica shook off the blush. Suddenly, they heard a squeal coming from Darla as she checked on them.
"Awww! How romantic! That was so cute.", Darla said to the couple as they raise their eyebrows.
"How did you know that?", Jessica asked as Darla beamed.
"Simple. I watched. You guys were kissing and sharing spaghetti. It's so adorable.", the eccentric waiter cooed as Jessica and Roger sheepishly chuckled. Time passed and it was time for the couple to pay for the meal although they went Dutch and happily left Darla a tip despite the awkward situation.
Roger and Jessica were waiting for Benny to show up as they chatted some. Jessica twirled her hair gazing at Roger for a moment at his bubbly personality. The ginger gazed into Roger's eyes before she spoke up.
"That was kind of a dinner date. I really enjoyed it.", Jessica said to Roger as he nodded.
"Of course. In the end, we felt refreshed. Seriously, this night gets better and better.", Roger chirped. Jessica deep down had her night all good so far with the toon rabbit.
"The town looks so Lovely at night. Don't you agree?", the ginger told Roger as the rabbit nodded. They silently enjoyed each others' company but they were startled by Mr. Toad speeding through like a happy maniac in his car. The toons were angry at the amphibian for nearly hitting them as one shouted.
"Hey, you! Watch your driving, you moron!", Daffy yelled at the toad whizzing by. Roger and Jessica shook their heads at the matter. Jessica made a mental note not to let Roger behind the wheel of any vehicle toon or real. Suddenly, Benny beeped greeting the couple as he pulled in front of them.
"So, you lovebirds? How did your night go? Did Rog get into trouble?", Benny asked as Jessica shook her head and smiled.
"Went well. Had the best night of my Life."
"Yeah. Best night ever. Yes, siree!", Jessica and Roger respectively answered the taxicab as they got into the backseat. Benny smirked deep down as he drove Off to Jessica's house.
=========
Benny pulled right in front of Jessica's as Roger walked Jessica to her door. The ginger gazed at Roger with genuine love even though it's their first date. When they stopped at her door, Jessica twirled her hair with a smile and spoke up.
"Roger, I really had fun on our date tonight. And to be honest, you're not like the other guys I've dated before.", Jessica told Roger honestly.
"Gee, thanks. But can you tell a curious rabbit of the Latter?",, Roger asked as Jessica nodded.
"You see. Before we met each other, other guys were after me for my external beauty and nothing more. Every time I strike up a conversation of anything, they seem to focus on the wrong things if you know what I mean.", Jessica told Roger as he nodded in understanding. The ginger continued as she bit her bottom lip.
"What I'm trying to say is thank you for being a true gentleman. It's all I ever wanted from any man.", Jessica confessed to Roger as the rabbit nodded.
"Gee. I'm flattered. To be honest, I enjoyed our date, too. And we should do something like this some time. If it's okay with you.", Roger said to Jessica in which the latter blushed at Roger asking her Out to a second date.. She shook off her blush and smiled.
"I'd love to. Perhaps we can have dinner at my house or yours.", Jessica said as Roger nodded.
"Great idea. Hopefully, I don't have any filming going On. How about Friday night? Sounds good?", the rabbit told Jessica as she nodded. The ginger picks up Roger gently and kisses him on the cheek passionately before putting him down.
"Okay. Friday night, it is. See you then, Roger.", she told the rabbit with a husky tone before she hugged him and went inside. Once the door was shut, Roger skipped over to Benny as the taxicab grinned.
"smooth operator, aren't ya, Rog?"
"Um, not exactly. Just being a gentleman.", Roger told Benny as the taxi chuckled.
"Being modest, huh? That's understandable. Hop in so I can retire for the night.", Benny told the rabbit as Roger hopped In the backseat and drove off.
"So, Rog. How things go with Jessica? You look so much better than when I'd pick ya up from your place.", Benny asked as Roger smiled with hearts in his eyes.
"Oh It went well. Jessica's the lovely dame I'd laid eyes On. I think shee's not like most of the girls I've dated in the past.", Roger said as Benny raised his eyebrows.
"How do you know that? Are you a psychic or something?", he asked as Roger shook his head.
"No but Jessica seems to take a Liking to me. In fact, we're going On the second date next week. We're having dinner at her place.", Roger said to Benny. The taxicab nearly had a spark Plug attack as he did a double take.
"At her place? Rog, you sly dog you. I knew you had It in you.", Benny cheered as Roger sheepishly grinned.
"Jeepers, we're not going that far.", Roger shook his head as Benny smirked.
"You're saying that now but wait until after the second date, next thing you Know, she'll have you stay over for the night and then some.", Benny winked at the latter with Roger blushing like a tomato.
"P-P-P-Please. Let's not get ahead Of ourselves, Benny. It's just a lovely dinner."
"Okay if you say so. But don't say I didn't warn ya.", Benny teased as he and Roger rode through the city.
Jessica sighed in bliss thinking about the night she had with Roger. She was right for Roger was not like any other toon or real men for sure. Throughout the date, he didn't ogle at her assets or tell her some cheesy pickup lines during the date. She was treated like a person which is something she ever wanted.
"I can't wait to tell the girls about this.", Jessica said wearing her red nightie laying on her bed. The ginger was looking forward to seeing Roger again next week as she wanted to make the rabbit hers and only hers. To Jessica, a first date is one step closer of doing just that and a second date is no different. She drifted off to sleep dreaming about a certain goofy rabbit.
A/N: And that's chappy 3, folks.. I couldn't resist putting in that famous kissing reenactment from Lady and the Tramp. It's one Of my favorite Disney films of all time. Speaking of Disney, a cameo of Mr. Toad from Disney's The Adventures of Icabod and Mr. Toad appears in this chappy. Also, I added in that famous Line from When Harry Met Sally being "I'll have what she's having". It's a classic line and funny considering this fic is called When Roger Met Jessica. Anyway, please leave a review, follow and fav this fic. It means a lot and I can learn through feedback. Also, check Out my other Roger Rabbit fic called Roger Rabbit's Wacky Toons which is a collection of cartoons starring the cast of Roger Rabbit and other guest characters from other Disney Ips or those outside of Disney. As always, LilMancub out and I'll see y'all in the next one.